GME GX850W Handheld Marine VHF Radio with DSC and GPS

Advanced Handheld VHF Marine Radio DSC, 48-Channel GPS, MOB Alert, Float & Flash, IP67, 1,700mAh Li-Po

Product Overview

The GME GX850W is GME's most capable handheld VHF marine radio described as putting marine safety right in the palm of your hand. Beyond communication, the GX850W adds three critical safety features absent from the GX800W: Digital Selective Calling (DSC), a Man Over Board (MOB) alert, and integrated 48-channel GPS with on-screen speed display.

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) allows preformatted digital distress calls containing your GPS coordinates and MMSI vessel identification number to be transmitted to all DSC-equipped vessels and coast guard stations in range faster and more precise than a voice Mayday in an emergency.

Man Over Board (MOB) Alert sends a dedicated distress message to all vessels within range at a single button press broadcasting your position for immediate rescue response.

Float & Flash is retained from the GX800W if dropped overboard, the radio floats and the LCD flashes for retrieval.

IP67 waterproofing, 5/1W switchable power, dual/triple watch, and programmable scan round out the feature set. A 1,700mAh Lithium Polymer battery provides extended operating life. All International, US, and Canadian channels included; US and Canadian weather channels also supported.

Features & Benefits

• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) — transmit GPS coordinates and vessel MMSI in a preformatted digital distress signal to all DSC-equipped vessels and coast guard; faster and more precise than voice in an emergency
• Man Over Board (MOB) Alert — single button transmits a dedicated MOB distress message including position to all vessels in range
• 48-channel GPS — integrated GPS receiver for position fix, automatically included in DSC distress calls
• On-screen speed display — real-time speed over ground from GPS, switchable between km/h and knots
• Float & Flash — floats if dropped overboard; LCD flashes brightly for easy location and retrieval
• IP67 ingress protection — dust-tight and waterproof to 1 metre immersion for 30 minutes
• 5/1W switchable power — 5W for full range; 1W for close range and battery conservation
• 1,700mAh Lithium Polymer battery — high-capacity Li-Po for extended operating life
• Dual watch and triple watch — monitor Channel 16 and working channels simultaneously
• Priority scan and programmable scan — user-configurable channel monitoring
• Large bright LCD — readable in low light and at night
• Weather channels — US and Canadian weather bands included
• All International, US and Canadian channels — complete marine VHF channel sets

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• DSC-equipped vessels and shore stations (for automated distress response)
• Wrist leash or lanyard (for overboard prevention)
• Tenders, dinghies, kayaks, and small watercraft requiring maximum safety features

Weight

Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DSC and how does it improve distress communication over a voice Mayday?

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is the international standard for digital distress alerting on marine VHF. When activated, the GX850W transmits a preformatted digital burst on Channel 70 (the DSC digital calling channel) that contains your vessel's MMSI number, GPS position, and the nature of distress — all in a fraction of a second. This message is received and decoded automatically by all DSC-equipped radios in range, which display your vessel identity and exact position. Coast guard and rescue vessels can respond immediately with your coordinates. In a voice Mayday, delivering accurate coordinates under stress is difficult; DSC does it automatically and instantly.

What is the Man Over Board (MOB) alert and how is it activated?

The MOB alert is a dedicated distress function for the scenario where a crew member has fallen overboard. At the press of the MOB button, the GX850W transmits a digital distress call to all vessels within VHF range broadcasting your current GPS position at the moment of activation. Receiving vessels are alerted to the exact location where the person entered the water, dramatically improving the chances of a successful rescue. Confirm the specific MOB activation procedure with GME.

What does the integrated 48-channel GPS provide beyond distress calling?

The GPS serves two functions: it provides the position fix automatically included in DSC and MOB distress calls, and it powers the on-screen speed display — showing your vessel's speed over ground in kilometres per hour or knots in real time. No external GPS input is required.

How does the GX850W compare to the GX800W?

Both radios are IP67 rated with Float & Flash, 5/1W switchable power, dual/triple watch, and programmable scan. The GX850W adds three features that the GX800W does not have: DSC (digital distress calling), a Man Over Board (MOB) alert, and integrated GPS with speed display. The GX850W also has a larger 1,700mAh Li-Po battery (vs the GX800W where battery specifications are not confirmed). For boaters who prioritise safety features, the GX850W is the more capable option.

What is a Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery and why does it matter?

Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) batteries provide high energy density in a lightweight, slim form factor — delivering more capacity per gram than older battery chemistries. The GX850W's 1,700mAh Li-Po provides more operating time than the GX625's 1,200mAh Li-Ion in a compact package. The integrated, rechargeable design means the battery cannot be swapped for a fresh pack in the field — confirm the charging method and time with GME.